portraits // lifestyle: emily

“Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.”

Emily and I met in 2012 through work and quickly became great friends. We met during a time in our lives where things were changing and we were evolving. Yet, through three cities, thousands of miles, multiple degrees, various jobs, and crazy life changes, we’ve always managed to pick up right where we left off.

This wasn’t Em’s first visit to the Pacific Northwest, but it’s the first time we’ve been here together. 2019 has been a turbulent year for both of us. It’s a much different time from where we were in 2012, but a crossroads in our life all the same. So we took the ferry rides, ate delicious food, drank lots of coffee and wine, and looked hopefully to better days ahead.

Thanks for visiting, Em. It was great to see you — I can’t wait to see all the things you accomplish in 2020 and beyond!

workshop: fall food styling + photography

I just attended my second food styling + photography workshop and I (still) really loved it.

I love these workshops for multiple reasons, but mostly because it blocks out four hours of my day to just immerse myself in the creative process. Photography, in general, has always been a creative outlet for me but lately hasn’t been sparking much joy. I’ve been feeling stuck in a creative rut, feeling disconnected from being able to express my artistic style. This weekend was much, much needed.

Art, in any form, is a really personal experience for me. While everyone one has an opinion about what looks right or what looks good — I try to dig deeper and see what different people find to be beautiful. We all have different experiences, which in turn gives us a different perception of the world. Images, for example, touch us in different ways. Remembering all this has opened me up to learning more and also forgiving myself whenever the craving for perfection gets the best of me.

I was comparing the photos below with the ones I took from the first workshop and they feel (to me) so different from each other. Maybe it’s because I feel different all together, or maybe it’s just another phase of my evolution. Either way — I’m really proud of how these photos turned out and I’m excited to share some of my favorites below!

workshop: winter food styling

food photography and food stying have always been an interest of mine, but it’s also felt a bit daunting. i love cooking and taking photos, but wasn’t sure how to really tackle the two together. this weekend’s food styling workshop allowed me the chance to really dive in and learn from pros renée beaudoin and ashley rodriquez, and alongside other foodies, bloggers, photographers, and chefs.

when i first came across the course, it was completely sold out. luckily, a spot opened up just last week and I’m grateful it did, because it was absolutely amazing! the workshop took place over two days, four hours each day. i loved the entire process, even the most challenging moments. it pushed me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone.

below are some of my favorite photos from the weekend. we took all the photos at delancey, a restaurant right behind the pantry, which serves up the most amazing pizza by night and the dreamiest lighting for photographers by day.

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spring pea vine salad

charcuterie snack boards

citrus tart

chemex coffee & rhubarb filled donuts

olive butter & radish toast + nettle soup

rugbraud (rye bread)